DNV awards AiP for Wärtsilä CCS for liquid CO2 carriers

Wärtsilä has conducted a study on the systems and solutions required for Liquid CO2 Carrier (LCO2) vessels.

The total cargo capacity of the vessels is 7,500cbm, divided into two containment tanks, each of 3,750cbm. Wärtsilä has carried out an intensive engineering analysis to formulate an optimum design for the vessels’ containment system and cargo handling systems, bearing in mind the specific nature of LCO2.

Capturing and storing CO2 is an important strategy in efforts to reduce global CO2 emissions. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions must be reduced by 50 to 80 percent by 2050 to avoid dramatic consequences of global warming.

The Motorship notes that research into the development of cargo containment systems for the latest generation of LCO2 vessels is technically challenging, given technical and commercial constraints. Wärtsilä noted that its experience and know-how in gas cargo and handling systems proved invaluable to the results.

As reported by the Motorship, DNV has long experience with LCO2 vessels, having awarded an AiP to a 7,500cbm LCO2 concept design in 2019, as part of Equinor’s Northern Lights CCS project. The Northern Lights project received parliamentary approval in January, and a CO2 transportation subsidiary was established on 9 March.

“Liquid CO2 is increasingly relevant in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a greener future. It represents an important link in the value chain for the entire carbon capture infrastructure. In developing a robust and proven concept, both in the cargo containment and cargo handling requirements for LCO2 Carriers, we have drawn on our unparalleled experience in gas carrier segments. The AiP from DNV is a valuable endorsement of this work,” says Pål Steinnes GM Sales, Wärtsilä Gas Solutions.